You will need to sign on with your LLLID (La Leche League ID) before you can post. If you have never claimed your LLLID, create your LLLID now. To sign in, click the LLLID Sign On button in the upper right corner. Enter your LLLID Alias and click the button again.

Bringing a toddler back to breast

I just posted in Rambling that Silas nursed today. I've been thinking about it ever since. I'm not sure what to do now. I would love to nurse him a few times a day. Should I just offer once or twice and see if he goes for it? Or should I let him just keep exploring the possability on his own? And wouldn't it be cool if he came back to nursing and his stress levels went down? He gets so over stimulated (we're exploring sensory issues for him) and I have to think that nursing could help him relax. At the same time I don't want to cause an issue for Lola's milk. My supply is pretty much regulated and not enough for 2. I have a millions questions and scenarios running loops in my head right now and I'm probably getting WAAAAAAY ahead of myself but.....What do you think? Have any of you started nursing a toddler after they've been weaned? Ideas? Thoughts?

I'm Colleen
Mama to
Silas born May 2009 ~ Nursed 18 mos, weaned during pregnancy, unweaned at 24 months, still nursing when he feels like it
Lola born March 2011 ~ The Mary Lou Retton of toddler nursing
Married to Brandon
Using cloth on both bums

Re: Bringing a toddler back to breast

I haven't done it, but I totally would! Even with an established supply, you can adapt to different levels of need. When Lola goes through a growth spurt and nurses all the time, your body makes more. Your body will do the same if the extra sessions are with Silas instead of Lola. I say GO FOR IT! No experience at all, obviously, but I would offer a few times a day, when it seems like he's open to it. I definitely think it would help him feel more grounded.

Re: Bringing a toddler back to breast

I totally want to go for it. I'm just afraid I'll be too pushy . He doesn't react well to "over asking" ykwiom? He's been slowly ramping up to this since she was born and each time he does a little something more. This is the first time he got milk though. So part of me thinks that he will keep coming back to try some milk.

I'm Colleen
Mama to
Silas born May 2009 ~ Nursed 18 mos, weaned during pregnancy, unweaned at 24 months, still nursing when he feels like it
Lola born March 2011 ~ The Mary Lou Retton of toddler nursing
Married to Brandon
Using cloth on both bums

Re: Bringing a toddler back to breast

I would offer and see what happens. Nursing calms DS down so fast it's insane. It's the only reason I haven't pushed weaning with him. Obviously I haven't tried to get a toddler back to the breast after weaning so I'm no help there.

As for your supply, it will regulate to accommodate both of them. When DD was around 9 months old both her and DS slept through a normal nursing time. My cousin was supplementing her 4 month old DD at the time so I pumped for her. I got 13oz in 20 minutes. I sh it you not. Your body can do this mama.

Amy married to my bestfriend since 10/30/04 Proud SAHM to DS born 2/17/07 and DD born 9/11/08 Both weaned together 11/2011Currently milk, peach, peanut and tree nut free. DD has outgrown her wheat, cheese, egg, garlic, and citrus allergies

Re: Bringing a toddler back to breast

Originally Posted by @llli*amy.marie

I would offer and see what happens. Nursing calms DS down so fast it's insane. It's the only reason I haven't pushed weaning with him. Obviously I haven't tried to get a toddler back to the breast after weaning so I'm no help there.

As for your supply, it will regulate to accommodate both of them. When DD was around 9 months old both her and DS slept through a normal nursing time. My cousin was supplementing her 4 month old DD at the time so I pumped for her. I got 13oz in 20 minutes. I sh it you not. Your body can do this mama.

That is insane! And awesome.

Ok, I'm going to try. I'll post in this thread as I go....

I'm Colleen
Mama to
Silas born May 2009 ~ Nursed 18 mos, weaned during pregnancy, unweaned at 24 months, still nursing when he feels like it
Lola born March 2011 ~ The Mary Lou Retton of toddler nursing
Married to Brandon
Using cloth on both bums

Re: Bringing a toddler back to breast

Just make sure he latches well so you're not injured for Miss Plum.

Amy married to my bestfriend since 10/30/04 Proud SAHM to DS born 2/17/07 and DD born 9/11/08 Both weaned together 11/2011Currently milk, peach, peanut and tree nut free. DD has outgrown her wheat, cheese, egg, garlic, and citrus allergies

Re: Bringing a toddler back to breast

I am almost positive that Erin did this with her first two. Silas is a lucky boy! My son never seemed interested after he weaned. I have to say I am in awe Amy! I start to loose my milk at around 15 months with both kids.

Mama to my Rubies
C '07
A '09
And my Christmas Eve baby
L '12I will carry you all my life
And I will praise the one who's chosen me to carry you
W Apr '11
R Nov '11The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched. They must be felt within the heart. *Helen Kellar*

Re: Bringing a toddler back to breast

Tracie i love the picture in your sig!!!

...and i have no advice, just delighted that he's doing this! And I think Max seems to be a stressed/high strung little guy too, and the second he settles on the boob, all is better. I hope Silas finds some calmness and comfort again, Mama.

Julia and Maxwell (and Dan and Haddie)
Maxwell, born January 3, 2010
A year on Mama's milk and still loving it